Get Adobe ReaderWays to Give
As you walk the campus of Cal State L.A., it is clear that this is a university that opens the doors of the world to its students. Most are the first in their families to attend college, and most work to put themselves through school. Why? Because they care about learning and about giving back.
It is obvious from your interest in supporting Cal State L.A. that you, too, care about learning and giving back. We are pleased to present you with a number of opportunities to participate in furthering our mission of education, research and community service. Your contributions help to sustain and build the University and guarantee a margin of excellence in providing quality education to our dedicated students. Whichever way you choose to give, your philanthropy is greatly appreciated.
Gifts to Cal State L.A. may be made as unrestricted support or as support for a purpose that you designate. Unrestricted funds give the University the greatest flexibility to meet the most pressing needs and promising opportunities. If you wish to designate your gift to a specific program, department or priority, please indicate this when making your gift.
Here are some ways you can make tax-deductible contributions to the University:
Through corporate giving.
- Contribute cash or real assets outright, or pledge and convey them in increments over a period of years.
- Give real estate, securities, or other personal property, such as equipment or artwork.
- Make the University a beneficiary of a bequest or an insurance policy.
- Arrange for life income trusts or other planned giving contributions.
- Participate in the University’s Annual Fund program.
- Through corporate matching gift programs, whereby businesses and corporations make gifts to the University by matching those of their employees.
- Through memorial gifts.
- Through distributions from donor advised funds.
- Through private or family foundations.
Gifts of Cash — this type of outright gift may be the easiest and most direct way to give to Cal State L.A. and is fully deductible for individuals who itemize on their federal income tax return. Your gift will create immediate results through enhanced University programs and services, helping our students enjoy the best possible education.
Gift Pledges — this formal statement of intention to make a gift to Cal State L.A. may be followed by an immediate gift, or may simply confirm your intention to make a gift in the future. Many complete a gift pledge by making regular payments over a period of time, making more generous gifts easier for many donors. To make a pledge today, simply fill out our pledge form.
Real Estate – Gifts of residential and real estate, even if a partial interest in a property, are gratefully accepted.
Securities – A stock portfolio can potentially carry a substantial capital gain—or appreciation in value. The downside to assets that have increased in value over the years is that the federal government is prepared to levy taxes of up to 28 percent on your capital gain. With careful planning, you can make a gift to Cal State L.A. and reduce or even avoid federal capital gains tax. Making a gift of securities to The CSULA Foundation assists the University and may be one of your best defenses against capital gains taxes.
Personal Property — Through donations of gifts-in-kind, such as equipment, artwork, etc., a donor can help the University strengthen programs, improve facilities, and offer the best possible educational experience to our students. Such gifts allow a donor to receive the benefit of a charitable contribution without drawing on cash flow or cash reserves.
Insurance Policies – You can name The CSULA Foundation as a beneficiary to receive all, or a portion of, your life insurance policy.
Planned Giving — Planned (deferred) gifts fall into four categories: bequests, life income plans, charitable lead trusts, and life insurance. You may wish to retainan interest in your gift, such as the right to receive income from it, or give through your estate. Under certain circumstances, your gift may entitle you to tax benefits. For more information about deferred giving opportunities, please visit our planned giving website.
The University Annual Fund – The Annual Fund provides valuable unrestricted support for university programs and services. This telephone outreach program is staffed by students, and also includes direct mail campaigns for annual donations. Click here to make your contribution today.
Corporate Matching Gifts — Corporate gifts matching employee donations are an increasingly important source of funds for CSULA. As a benefit to its employees, companies “match” charitable donations to certain types of organizations, such as higher education. Depending on the company’s program, cash as well as other gift types such as life insurance, deferred gifts, gifts-in-kind, securities and volunteer time also may be eligible. Usually, matching gift forms can be obtained in the company’s Human Resources Department. Initiating a matching gift as soon as possible helps the University optimally use such resources for students. Please let us know if your company will match your gifts to Cal State L.A.
Memorial and Honor Gifts — You may designate gifts to the University in memory or honor of a friend or loved one. Under special circumstances, the University will help you keep track of gifts from friends and family members.
Donor Advised Funds – You and your family can create a special fund to assist the University, college, department or specific program on an ongoing basis. By creating a donor advised fund, the University can consult with you each year on the distribution of the annual earnings from your fund, giving you a voice in support options.
Private and Family Foundations –Private and family foundations greatly assist the University in building quality programs and services. Foundations have been instrumental in helping create new and innovative approaches to education and research, and in assisting with the building and refurbishment of lecture halls, laboratories, performing arts spaces and other facilities.
Corporate Gifts – An invaluable source of support for the University, corporate gifts enable us tot enhance our facilities, programs, services, provide faculty fellowships, student stipends, and scholarships for deserving students.
Named Gift Opportunities — Cal State L.A. is pleased to offer a range of commemorative gift opportunities to establish enduring tributes or permanent memorials to individuals, families or organizations. Scholarship or program funds can be named, as can facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories and buildings.
Giving Anonymously — Occasionally, a donor wishes be an anonymous benefactor, or prefers not to receive public recognition for a gift. In such cases, the University will honor the request for confidentiality. Please advise us of your preferences or concerns; we will make every effort to honor your wishes.
Types of Gifts
Typical gifts to the University include:
Support for Students—Cal State L.A. students are exceptionally dedicated. Most work to finance their education, as well as to support themselves and their families. Scholarships make it possible for deserving students to focus on their studies and continue their education. Scholarships can be awarded on a one-time or annual basis, or can be established in perpetuity as an endowment. Endowed scholarships allow the University to make lifetime commitments to student scholars.
Note: Contributions that specify an individual or individuals to receive support are held in trust by the University and are not considered gifts.
Support for Faculty –Endowed Chairs/Professorships permit the University to acknowledge exceptional teaching and research achievement in a public way. The earnings from these endowed funds help the University attract exceptional professors. They also assist talented faculty in research and teaching by providing funds for graduate or student assistants, equipment, and/or research materials.
Support for Research and Programs - An endowed fund can provide ongoing support for a University program, academic field, college, or department. It can include funds for faculty research and innovation, professional development, or innovative teaching.
Building Support - State-of-the-art facilities enhance education opportunities across disciplines. Funds can provide for new or renovated buildings, equipment replacement, laboratory refurbishments and classroom enhancements.
Gifts of Endowment — An endowment is a forward thinking commitment to University ideals. This fund, maintained in perpetuity; keeps the principal intact with a portion of the annual investment return used for purposes specified by you. Such endowments can bear your name or that of your loved one, reflect your interests, and serve as an enduring testament to your generosity. In most cases, the types of gift listed above can be established as endowments.
The CSULA Foundation is incorporated to accept and manage gifts on behalf of Cal State L.A. Because it is a non-profit organization, most gifts qualify for a federal, and often state, income-tax charitable deduction. As with all financial considerations, we encourage you to discuss potential tax advantages and other aspects of charitable gifts with your attorney, tax advisor or financial consultant. The non-profit identification number of the Foundation is 95-4044252. Contact us University development officers are available to assist you with your gift ideas and questions. To find the right person in your area of interest, please see the Development Directory.